NEW YORK (October 26, 2016) – Major League Soccer today released its 2016-17 offseason calendar, outlining important offseason events and timetables as teams begin to make preparations for the 2017 MLS season. Highlighting the offseason, the 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine returns to Los Angeles in January for the first timein 10 years, accompanied by the MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. In addition, expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC will look to capitalize on five player acquisition mechanisms through December and January as they build competitive rosters for 2017.
After a three-month roster freeze, clubs will again be able to make changes to their rosters the day after MLS Cup,December 11, in preparation for the 2017 season. Following a Half-day Trade Window on Dec. 11 (9 a.m.-12 p.m. ET), a player-trade blackout period will commence until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft, which is set for 2 p.m. ET on December 13. Trades not involving players (General/Targeted Allocation Money, draft picks, international rosters slots, etc.) are permitted at any time.
The Expansion Draft, will provide an opportunity for expansion clubs Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC to add up to five players each to their inaugural rosters. Following the Expansion Priority Draft, held on Oct. 16, Atlanta United will have the first selection in the Expansion Draft. The list of current players available for selection in the Expansion Draft will be released on Dec. 12.
CLICK HERE for the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft guidelines
After the conclusion of the Expansion Draft on Dec. 13, players eligible for Free Agency may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs, not just their previous team.
MLS clubs will also bolster their rosters with players selected in both the Waiver Draft, set for Dec. 15, and the Re-Entry Process, set for Dec. 16 (Stage One) and Dec. 22 (Stage Two).
CLICK HERE for the 2016 Waiver and Re-Entry Draft guidelines
The new year will kick off with the adidas MLS Player Combine, which returns to Los Angeles for the first time since 2006. The Combine will be held from January 7-12, 2017 at the StubHub Center, allowing clubs the chance to scout top collegiate, youth, and international invitees ahead of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. The SuperDraft will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, at the LA Convention Center. More information on the Combine and SuperDraft will be released at a later date.
2016-17 Offseason Calendar
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503113" tabindex="0">Sunday, Dec. 11</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Half-Day Trade Window from <span data-term="goog_1518503114" tabindex="0">9 a.m.-12 p.m. ET</span></li></ul><ul><li>No trades involving players will be permitted after <span data-term="goog_1518503115" tabindex="0">12 p.m. ET</span> up until the conclusion of the Expansion Draft</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503116" tabindex="0">Monday, Dec. 12</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Expansion Draft Protected Player List and eligible Free Agents made public</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503117" tabindex="0">Tuesday, Dec. 13</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Expansion Draft held at <span data-term="goog_1518503118" tabindex="0">2 p.m. ET</span></li></ul><ul><li>Beginning at <span data-term="goog_1518503119" tabindex="0">5 p.m. ET</span>, Free Agents may engage in negotiations with all MLS clubs.</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503120" tabindex="0">Wednesday, Dec. 14</span></strong> |
<ul><li>List of players eligible for selection in the Waiver Draft made public</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503121" tabindex="0">Thursday, Dec. 15</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Waiver Draft held at <span data-term="goog_1518503122" tabindex="0">2 p.m. ET</span></li></ul><ul><li>Beginning at <span data-term="goog_1518503123" tabindex="0">5 p.m. ET</span>, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)</li></ul><ul><li>List of players available in Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft made public</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503124" tabindex="0">Friday, Dec. 16</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft held at <span data-term="goog_1518503125" tabindex="0">3 p.m. ET</span></li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503126" tabindex="0">Wednesday, Dec. 21</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Starting at <span data-term="goog_1518503127" tabindex="0">11 a.m. ET</span>, clubs may no longer sign or trade their own Re-Entry eligible players (player-trade blackout window)</li></ul><ul><li>List of available players in Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft made public</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503128" tabindex="0">Thursday, Dec. 22</span></strong> |
<ul><li>Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft held at <span data-term="goog_1518503129" tabindex="0">3 p.m. ET</span></li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503130" tabindex="0">January 7-12, 2017</span></strong> |
<ul><li>2017 adidas MLS Player Combine</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503131" tabindex="0">Friday, Jan. 13, 2017</span></strong> |
<ul><li>2017 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas</li></ul> |
<strong><span data-term="goog_1518503132" tabindex="0">Monday, Jan. 23 , 2017</span></strong> |
<ul><li>2017 MLS preseason begins</li></ul> |
